Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha is mourning the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, 13 years after the passing of her mother.
The veteran actress announced the heartbreaking loss in an emotional Instagram tribute, describing her late father as a deeply important figure in her life.
Chioma revealed that losing her father means she is now without both parents, a reality she said has been particularly painful to process.
“I have been trying to find the words to say this…
My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord.
I lost my mother 13 years ago and now that my father is gone, the thought that I have neither parent here anymore breaks my heart in a way I cannot fully explain. So na only me bayi?
My daddy, papa’m, obara’m, my comfort, and such a precious part of my life… GONE!” she wrote.
Reflecting on her father’s life, the actress expressed gratitude that he lived long enough to witness his children and grandchildren grow.
However, she revealed that the family had hoped he would live long enough to meet his great-grandchildren.
“I am so thankful you lived a long life, and I am grateful to God you saw your children and grandchildren. We had hoped you would meet your great-grandchildren too, mana nya diba!” she wrote.
Chioma also reflected on the difficulty of losing a parent, noting that regardless of how many years someone gets with their parents, there is often a desire for more time, conversations and moments together.
“No matter how many years we are given with a parent, we still want one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day,” she said.
The actress said she remains grateful to God for her father’s life and for the precious moments they shared, particularly during the final period of his life.
According to Chioma, she initially kept the death private as she took time to process her grief before deciding to make the news public.
She subsequently appealed to fans, friends and well-wishers to remember her, her siblings and the entire Chukwuka family in their prayers as they come to terms with the loss.
The actress also stated that details concerning her father’s funeral arrangements would be communicated when the family is ready.
Chioma described her late father as the Olowo of Ikate and ended her emotional tribute by expressing her love for him.
The actress, producer and director has remained one of the familiar faces in Nollywood, with a career spanning more than two decades.
